On Wednesday, the New York Jets announced they were parting ways with veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley, marking the end of his six-year tenure with the team.
This decision was not entirely unexpected given the challenges Mosley faced last season. The 32-year-old linebacker only played four games due to persistent injuries, starting with a toe problem, followed by a herniated disk in his neck that cut his season short in October. As a result, Mosley leaves with a hefty $16.4 million dead-money charge.
Additionally, the long-awaited departure of quarterback Aaron Rodgers was confirmed on the same day. The Jets had previously signaled their intent to move on from the four-time MVP, and recently secured a deal with Justin Fields to take over as quarterback. Rodgers’ status as a post-June 1 cut means his $23.5 million salary cap will linger until then, eventually reducing to $14 million in dead money for this year and jumping to $35 million in 2026.
Mosley’s journey with the Jets began in March 2019 when he inked a lucrative five-year, $85 million contract. Unfortunately, his early days with the team were marred by injuries, allowing him to participate in just two games over his first two years. After a core muscle injury during a Week 1 game against the Bills in 2019, and a failed comeback attempt that same year, Mosley opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.
Before joining the Jets, Mosley had made a name for himself as a four-time Pro Bowler with the Baltimore Ravens. His performance in New York significantly improved under the guidance of new head coach Robert Saleh in 2021. Shedding some weight, Mosley became a crucial figure in Saleh’s defense, appearing in 50 games over the next three seasons and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2022.
However, last season was tough for Mosley. A toe injury in a Week 2 match against the Titans sidelined him for three games. Upon his return, he managed to play two more games in October, but a neck injury discovered just before a game against New England ended his season prematurely.
The future remains uncertain for Mosley as he recovers. While he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of retirement, Mosley expressed at the season’s close that his primary focus was on recuperating from his neck injury.
As the Jets look to the future, they have secured Jamien Sherwood, signing him to a three-year, $45 million contract to fill the void left by Mosley’s departure.
